2019 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion

The 2019 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is one of the most exciting modern expressions of Pessac-Léognan, crafted on just 6.4 hectares of prime gravelly terroir neighboring the legendary Haut-Brion. This is a deeply characterful, Cabernet Franc–driven Bordeaux that marries classic Graves smokiness with a contemporary sense of precision and elegance. Insiders increasingly regard Les Carmes Haut-Brion as one of the reference estates of the appellation, and 2019 is a standout vintage with immense refinement and aging potential.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 Les Carmes Haut-Brion shows a deep garnet-purple hue, dense yet vibrant at the rim. The nose is captivating and savory, layering aromas of black olives, cured charcuterie, and a subtle Sichuan pepper spiciness over a core of redcurrant jelly, ripe black cherries, and cassis. Delicate floral notes of rose petals mingle with hints of candied orange peel, adding lift and complexity. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and beautifully poised—at once refreshing, silky, and firmly structured. Fine-grained, tightly knit tannins provide a graphite-like backbone, while the vivid acidity keeps the dark and red fruit focused and energetic. Flavors of black cherry, redcurrant, and cassis are interwoven with savory herb, tobacco leaf, and subtle smoky-mineral tones, leading into a long, perfumed finish. The 2019 has significant longevity ahead: it will drink well from the mid-term but is built to evolve gracefully for 15–25 years, gaining further nuance and complexity in bottle.

Production
Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion lies on classic Pessac-Léognan terroir, combining deep gravel with sand and clay that favor Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, while ensuring natural drainage and excellent ripening conditions. The estate’s small 6.4-hectare vineyard is carefully managed with meticulous parcel selection and hand-harvesting at optimal phenolic maturity. In the cellar, vinification is overseen by renowned consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt, with a strong emphasis on gentle extraction and precision: whole berries and a portion of whole clusters are often used, fermentation occurs in a mix of concrete, stainless steel, and wooden vats, and élevage typically involves a high proportion of French oak (including some new barrels) complemented by larger vessels to preserve freshness and aromatic detail. The result is a wine that harmonizes power with finesse and a clear expression of its gravelly Graves origin.

Food & Serving
This 2019 Pessac-Léognan is a superb partner for refined yet flavorful dishes: think roast lamb with herbs, dry-aged ribeye, duck breast with cherries, venison, or classic French fare such as entrecôte bordelaise and confit duck. It also pairs beautifully with earthy components like wild mushrooms, truffle-infused dishes, and aged hard cheeses such as Comté or old Gouda. Serve at 16–18°C (around 60–64°F) to highlight both its aromatic lift and structure. In youth, decanting for 1.5–2 hours is recommended to allow the tannins to soften and the bouquet to fully unfurl; as the wine matures, a gentle 30–60 minute decant will be sufficient primarily to remove any sediment.

Producer
Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion traces its origins back to the 16th century and owes its name to the Carmelite monks who once owned the land, making it one of the historic properties of the Graves area. Today it sits in the heart of Pessac-Léognan, effectively an urban grand vin surrounded by the city of Bordeaux, and directly neighboring the illustrious Château Haut-Brion. Under the ownership of Patrice Pichet and with the guidance of star consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt, the château has undergone a complete renaissance, including a strikingly modern winery and a renewed focus on precision viticulture. Over the past decade, Les Carmes Haut-Brion has rapidly ascended in reputation, earning critical acclaim and a loyal following for its distinctive, Cabernet Franc–influenced style that combines aromatic complexity, freshness, and depth—placing it firmly among the top estates of the appellation.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.